kharenzhee

I am five months out and started actively shedding at 3.5 months. I have been stuck at the same weight for several weeks, and I swear it seems like my hair loss has slowed a bit in that time, but that could just be wishful thinking. I was concerned about hair loss because I had already experienced thinning over the past few years do to a thyroid disorder, so I wanted to be ready for this. I have been using Nioxin shampoo/conditioner since right after my surgery, and I have Biotin in my Multivitamin. I can't say that either has done much, but perhaps they have?? What has been REALLY valuable to me is Topik hair fibers (http://www.toppik.com/), which I love! I get mine at Ulta, and I also like the Topik sprays. They really help to add coverage and body in thin areas. I always feel more confident. They stay put throughout the day, and then they wash right out when you shower. I also went ahead an bought a hair topper, just in case! http://www.uniwigs.com/hair-pieces/40116-charm-remy-human-hair-top-hairpiece.html I started to feel a lot better about managing the loss once I had a few tools in my arsenal. I also have had a lot of frank conversations with other women and stylists and have discovered that hair loss (for a variety of reasons) is more common than we know, and more people that you would ever imagine use products and hair pieces. It won't last forever ... and even if it does, it's a small price to pay for my health.

I am down to a 14/16 from a 22/24, and I've been having fun fitting into some older things and buying some new ones. Almost all my new dresses and work clothes I have bought at Ross, which has some phenomenal deals on really cute pieces. I have been donating or giving away my larger clothes, and now I am going to try ThredUp, too (on online consignment site). A big part of paring down my closet has been not only getting rid of clothes that are too big, but clothes that aren't "me" anymore. If I don't feel excited to wear it or if it doesn't reflect my personal style and new-found confidence, I decided it's just taking up space in my closet and could serve someone else better. Regarding rings getting too loose ... I ordered these and they seem to work: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PI0T25Q?psc=1 I don't want to have my rings resized until I am down to goal weight.

Wow!!!! You are stunning and look so confident, strong, and happy! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Five days after for me. I think it's really going to depend on how you're feeling/healing. My recovery went very smoothly, and I felt remarkably well. Assuming your doc doesn't provide specific guidelines, just listen to your body and take it slowly. : ) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you all SO much! These are all excellent suggestions! And I really appreciate everyone's honest assessment of what are clearly trigger foods for me. I would like to respond individually to everyone's suggestions, but I'm on the mobile version right now, and it's not easy to quote responses. But please know that I've read and really appreciated all your suggestions! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Nuts are a great idea! Thanks. And I agree ... I think I need to get the crackers out of the house! I'm vegetarian, but perhaps I should check out some veggie Jerky options. Thanks for your response!

Hi, all! I am almost 5 months out from gastric sleeve, and I'm experiencing my first stall. I am trying not to get too concerned about it, as I knew it would happen at some point. However, I think part of the problem might be that I am eating too many carbs in the way of crackers. They seem innocuous enough: Mini Thin Edamame Rice Crackers (38 crackers = 120 calories, 3g Protein, 0 sugar) and Pistachio-Pomegranate Crisps (11 crisps for 90 calories, 2 g. protein, 8 g. sugar), both from Trader Joes. When I start eating them, I feel like I can't stop. And then I keep thinking about them. I usually eat them with some protein, but then I go back for more. Are crackers or similar crunchy little things triggers or gateways for you? Would these be considered slider foods? This seems ridiculous to be overthinking this so much, but I really feel like these little crackers are a challenge for me! Thanks for any thoughts! K

You are an inspiration! So happy for you! Congratulations on your new-found health. And you are beautiful! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I like the Bai drinks, specifically the Molokai Coconut. The flavor is a bit concentrated for me, so I Water it down, which is good because a bottle lasts 2-3 times longer and I drink more Fluid. 5 calories. Sweetened with stevia (but doesn't have that weird aftertaste). http://www.drinkbai.com/ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes! I love this show and am very curious about this storyline and whether or not the writers will take Kate on an authentic journey--complete with all the pre-op, op, and post-op challenges and discoveries. I belong to a This is Us fan page (because I am a dork!), and I was discussing this on there with another fan who has had WLS. We shall see! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow! What an inspirational thread! I started at 295 and am down to 237 in 11 weeks. Almost 60 pounds. I still can't believe it! So, yes, 100 pounds definitely seems doable! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So sorry you are having a difficult first few days. You are definitely not alone, as you can see from the other folks who have chimed in. The first stage is tough--it's a huge transition; you're recovering from surgery; you're struggling to figure out how the heck you're going to get in all that Water and Protein. And, on top of it, your brain doesn't understand why you're not eating all the stuff you have in the past ("head hunger"). BUT each day is going to get better! I promise. You're going to get into a groove. A couple of weeks from now, you will look back and see how far you've come, and two weeks after that, you'll see you've gotten even further--and so on and so forth. At about three days post-op, I had that "Oh God, what did I do" moment, and now at 10 weeks out, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! Best decision I could have made! You will feel this way, too, soon enough! You have a lot to look forward to! Just ride the wave! ❤️ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was very fortunate to have a pretty smooth post-op experience. No nausea or vomiting. Gas pains weren't bad. The only issue I had was constipation. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I went to a function and put my s-f strawberry-kiwi Benefiber over ice in a margarita glass! It looked like a very festive mixed drink! And then someone asked if they could have one. Lol. I read on here that someone once watered down a little apple juice and put it in a wine glass and it looked exactly like white wine. Honestly, most people don't really take note of exactly what you're drinking. Just enjoy the conversation and the people! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App